North Marion seventh-graders share knowledge of religions

North Marion seventh-graders had a chance to present their findings in a world religions event at the school May 20.

The students did a comparative study of major world religions, then each selected one religion to present. Seventh-graders filled the gymnasium and commons of North Marion Middle School with tri-fold presentations, giving information on many religions.

Its good to give the community a chance to come to our school and know what the students are learning about, student Mary Kaufman said. It also gives the community a chance to learn.

Mary got very involved in her Hinduism project, dressing up in traditional Indian clothes and even having henna on her hands and arms. Seventh-grader Cam Leggett also got dressed up for her project on Shintoism, donning a Japanese robe.

I think this is a good thing because you can understand other people better and other ways of living, she said. I picked Shintoism because I think its a good idea for people to go outside their comfort zone because you can learn what other people believe.

Humanities teachers Peggy Boorman and Scott Meaders spearheaded the evening, which featured refreshments and live piano music. State standards require students to be able to describe and compare the beliefs, spread and influence of religions throughout Europe, Asia and Africa.